Freight Containers Patents (Class 220/1.5)
  • Publication number: 20120205493
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first structure, a second structure, a first layer, and a second layer. The first structure has a first plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the first structure. The second structure has a second plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the second structure. A first side of the first structure is connected to a first side of the second structure. The first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels have an orientation with respect to each other. The first layer is connected to a second side of the first structure. The second layer is connected to a second side of the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael James Robinson, Michael Leslie Hand
  • Patent number: 8240494
    Abstract: An adaptable bulk material container system comprises a hopper having an interior for receiving the bulk material and an upper opening and a lower opening. The hopper comprises an upper portion defining an upper portion of the interior and including an upper perimeter wall about the interior. The hopper also includes a lower portion defining a lower portion of the interior and being positioned below the upper portion. The upper portion may be separable from the lower portion such that the upper portion is removable from the lower portion. The system also includes an adaptable base supporting the hopper, with the hopper being mounted on the adaptable base. The base comprises a support frame mounted on the hopper and extending downwardly from the hopper, with the support frame forming a perimeter about the lower portion of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Brad Mohns
  • Patent number: 8240495
    Abstract: Internal lock mechanisms for doors of intermodal containers. The lock mechanisms include a lock member that moves between a locked position engaging a door to lock the door in the closed position and an unlocked position disengaged from the door to permit the door to move from the closed position to the open position. At least a portion of the lock mechanism is provided within or adjacent to the sill. In one instance, the lock member is biased toward the locked position, and a contact portion on a bottom of the container is contacted to unlock it. The lock mechanism may be accessed via connection openings in a corner fitting, for example. In another instance, hooks and hook receiving members are provided within an interior of the container, and rotated along a rotatable shaft between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventors: Wayne L. Ronci, Adrian Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8228186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to determine the relative position of a container corner lock and/or a group of container corner locks in relation to other container corner locks. The method comprises the steps of: requesting information regarding identification from those locks (1) that are within a certain area; transferring said information to each lock (1) within said area; storing, in each lock (1) within said area, said requested information from other locks within the area; determining, based on said stored information, the relative position of the lock and/or of the group of locks. The invention also relates to a system and a container corner lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Loxysystem AB
    Inventor: Dag Tryggö
  • Patent number: 8228185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lifting containers (6), all containers (6) to be lifted being connected by means of locks (1). The method comprises the steps of by an external unit (2, 4) requesting a first piece of information regarding if the locks (1) that are arranged on a container to be lifted are locked or unlocked, requesting a second piece of information regarding one or more given requirements that the locks (1) to be lifted and are locked meet. Then said first and second pieces of information regarding the locks to be lifted are transferred to the external unit (2, 4) or to another unit. In the external unit (2, 4) or in another unit it is then judged if all locks (1) that should be locked are locked and if they meet requirements required for the lift. If that is the case, lift of said container (6) takes place. The invention also relates to a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Loxysystem AB
    Inventor: Dag Tryggö
  • Publication number: 20120181268
    Abstract: A refrigerated freight container is provided comprising thermally insulated sidewalls [2], roof [3] and floor [4], a thermally insulated access opening at one end of the container and a refrigeration installation [10] at the other end of the container. The refrigeration installation is built into a removable end wall unit [8] that closes off the end of the container opposite the access opening in the installed position. The access opening preferably includes a surrounding frame [7] forming an access opening unit that is also removable from the container. The sidewalls of the container are preferably hinged [15] in a central region up the height thereof so that they can collapse inwardly in concertina fashion with the roof moving towards the floor of the container and the central regions of the sidewalls folding inwardly towards each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nils Mittet Skarbövig
  • Publication number: 20120155982
    Abstract: A freight carrier (10) in the form of a flatbed road trailer of the side loading type, has a load deck (16) and includes two bulk container tanks (20.1) and (20.2) for carrying liquid freight. The carrier includes lifting arrangements at opposite ends of the tanks for lifting the tanks into the raised positions illustrated, so as to define stowage compartments under the tanks within which general dry freight can be supported on the load deck. The trailer transports liquid freight when the tanks are in their lowered positions adjacent the load deck. When the tanks are empty, they are raised for the transport of dry freight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Geoffrey Bennetto, Jack Denys Van Heerden
  • Patent number: 8196766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding container (100) having a first and second side wall (11, 13), a roof (10), a floor (20) as well as a face end (12) and a back end, wherein the first side wall (13) and the second side wall (11) are slideable along the roof (10) and along the floor (20) respectively in such a manner that the lateral parts (11, 13) are slideable inward of the container (100) until they lie parallel to the floor (20). In order to offset friction losses in the longitudinal rails of folding containers (100), the invention proposes that the roof (10) and the floor (20) are provided with spaced longitudinal rails (14, 15, 16, 17) running parallel to one another for a roll guide of the first side wall (13) slideable on the roof (10) and for a roll guide of the second side wall (11) slideable on the floor (20), wherein in the longitudinal rails (14, 15, 16, 17) tension springs (30) are integrated which with a folded-out container (100) are tensioned and with a folded-up container (100) are relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Oil Capital Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ottmar A. H. Schrayvogel
  • Publication number: 20120138604
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Alex Bellehumeur, Trustee of the Alex Bellehumeur Family Trust
    Inventors: Alexander R. Bellehumeur, James Woods
  • Publication number: 20120134129
    Abstract: There is provided a receptacle for a modular telematic unit. An exemplary receptacle comprises a body, at least one housing, and at least one solar panel. The body comprises at least two rails positioned opposite from each other. The housing is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. The solar panel is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. An outer surface of the solar panel, when slid into the rails, is slanted at an angle ? relative to at least one outer surface of the body. The outer surface of the body is positioned opposite the solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Frank Josefiak, Hassan Aftabruyan
  • Publication number: 20120128442
    Abstract: A container for transporting bulk material in combined (multimode) traffic, in particular on railways, roadways and ships, with a rectangular outer structure having standard dimensions and an open steel frame construction, which carries at least one container (hopper) for holding the bulk material. The hopper tapers like a funnel and can be emptied via at least one floor flap. The steel frame structure exhibits two lower longitudinal members, which are free of connecting cross members, so that inside the steel frame structure and beneath the container for holding the bulk material, a downwardly completely open and in the longitudinal direction of the steel frame structure continuously extending open space is available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Peter WANEK-PUSSET, Bernhard GRENTNER
  • Publication number: 20120118881
    Abstract: A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a selectively closeable opening formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable opening having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: JHRG, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Holland, Connie W. Holland, Daniel M. Nathan
  • Publication number: 20120118882
    Abstract: A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a pair of selectively closeable openings formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable openings having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicants: Advanced Composite Structures, LLC, JHRG, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Holland, Connie W. Holland, Daniel M. Nathan, Thomas R. Pherson
  • Publication number: 20120103848
    Abstract: A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly supported by the bottom compartment and the pallet, a material loading assembly attached to the top compartment, and an extension assembly attached to the top compartment and configured to enable a loader to move the top compartment upwardly from the retracted position to the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ARROWS UP, INC.
    Inventors: C. John Allegretti, Anthony M. Raso, Lyndon Just
  • Publication number: 20120097670
    Abstract: A shipping apparatus for transporting a coil in a shipping container. The apparatus includes a saddle and a base. The saddle has angled supporting plates and lateral bars upon which said coil is placed. The saddle is placed on a base and may be releasably connected. The base is adapted to be slid while supporting the saddle and the coil, along the floor of said container to a transport position fully inside the container. When the coil, saddle, and base are in a container, the base distributes the load of the coil and the saddle to permit conventional transport of said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8162542
    Abstract: A cargo container includes a cargo box affixed atop a hollow base, with the base including forklift tunnels extending therethrough with elongate bays disposed parallel thereto. Each bay includes a removable tray for receiving electrical batteries. And, a temperature control system is disposed on a sidewall adjoining the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tednologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Edward Harman, Kyle Mathias Taylor
  • Patent number: 8162164
    Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen D. Podd, Victor I. Podd
  • Publication number: 20120091129
    Abstract: A transport frame includes a body (1) having walls and a detachable roof (8) arranged on top of the body (1). The roof (8) includes a top surface (9) and side walls (10) extending downward from the top surface (9) and having an essentially vertical dimension. The roof is locked in place with a locking element. The locking element has an operating handle (12) and a vertical bar (13) extending essentially downward from the operating handle (12) toward the wall of the body (1). With the operating handle (12), the locking element is adapted to be set to its locked position and open position, and the operating handle (12) is arranged to be used from the top surface (9) of the roof (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: OY LANGH SHIP AB
    Inventor: Hans Langh
  • Publication number: 20120093626
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120085756
    Abstract: A container for shipping and storing flowable materials includes generally planar walls that form or enclose a generally-box shaped vessel for holding flowable material. The container includes a plurality of corner fittings and optionally a plurality of connecting members that provide a frame structure to support the corner fittings. The corner fittings enable the container to be lifted and to be secured to a transport platform, transport vehicle, and/or another container. The vessel walls may be composed of a material that is not as strong or as dense as the material that forms the corner fittings and/or connecting members. The vessel walls may be corrugated and/or include a support structure overlaid on their exterior surface to increase the strength of the walls. The vessel interior may contain baffles to reduce sloshing and increase the strength of the vessel walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen S. Beitler, Rebecca A. Ayers, Christian B. Beaudoin, Ryan Joseph Johnson
  • Patent number: 8153419
    Abstract: An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: James J. McNelly
  • Publication number: 20120080556
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomous or remote-controlled operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”). An integrated mechanical and electrical system is capable of launching, controlling, snagging, recovering, securing, parking, and servicing UAVs without human intervention at the site of the system. The illustrative embodiment comprises a boom and a container that houses the boom and UAV(s). The boom rotates about its longitudinal axis to operationally orient a plurality of faces thereof. Each face is associated with certain system operations, including but not limited to: launching a UAV, snagging a UAV from the air, and securing a UAV to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: George Raymond Root, JR.
  • Patent number: 8146761
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting compressed gases or similar materials. The apparatus includes an exterior housing dimensioned for intermodal transportation that contains a rack that holds pressure vessels. The apparatus may be loaded with pressure vessels and the vessels filled within the apparatus. The apparatus may be transferred between modes of transportation along a delivery route without unloading the vessels from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: NCF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Fawley
  • Publication number: 20120073322
    Abstract: The distribution of condition air into the cargo space of a temperature controlled container is improved. Conditioned air may be selectively distributed into the cargo space from a plenum beneath the cargo support floor through a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced apart openings through the cargo support floor. Side air ducts may be provided extending rearwardly along the side walls of the container for distributing conditioned air received from a pair of side air outlets in a refrigerant unit associated with the container. The side air ducts may have a plurality of air discharge openings and may discharge conditioned air into vertically extending recesses in the side walls. The side air outlets have a selectively variable flow area. The number, location and size of the openings through the cargo support floor, as well as the air discharge openings in the side air ducts, may be selectively varied so as to selectively distribute the conditioned air flow throughout the cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Peter R. Bushnell, Yu H. Chen, Mehmet N. Sarimurat
  • Patent number: 8141742
    Abstract: Several molded, hard plastic cover pieces and attached fabric or hard side wall assemblies are disclosed for mounting over a storage container. One cover piece provides raised channel rails that support a layered sub frame assembly. The sub frame secures fabric or plastic side wall assemblies to the cover piece. Fabric or expansible hinge pieces mount between fabric or plastic panels to provide flexible transitions to facilitate the mounting and removal of the cover piece and/or sidewall assembly. Cross pieces fitted to channel rails define lifting supports to permit attachment or removal of the cover piece from a wooden storage container. Truss pieces formed between channel pieces strengthen and control water runoff. Alternative cover pieces provide lifting towers, panels with tine receiving apertures or interconnected tension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron Wolf
  • Publication number: 20120061390
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible freight container (1) comprising a floor panel (3), a roof panel (5) as well as two longitudinal side walls (7,9) connected to the floor panel and the roof panel. Each longitudinal side wall comprises a first (11,13) and a second (15,17) part, which are connected by—means of at least one hinged joint, such that the first part can hinge towards the second part of the same longitudinal side wall about a hinge axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the freight container. Each corner of the freight container is furthermore provided with at least one corner pin (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CARGOSHELL HOLDING B.V.i.o.
    Inventor: Rene Giesbers
  • Publication number: 20120061387
    Abstract: A container is provided, which includes a container main body having a loading space formed therein to load freight therein; a door opening/closing a freight doorway formed on one side of the container main body and including a first door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the container main body by a first hinge portion, and a second door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the other side of the first door by a second hinge portion; a slide rotation portion including a slide rail provided on the container main body, a movement member connected to the second door to slidably move along the slide rail, a link member connected to the movement member and an inner side surface of the second door to make the door rotate at 0 to 270 degrees around the first hinge portion, and a movement limit member connected between the movement member and one side of the link member to limit the movement of the link member; and a locking portion locking/unlocking the door with respect to the container main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Sang Woo NAM
  • Publication number: 20120055919
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container assembly includes a collapsible skeleton framework defining a front, rear and opposite sides of the container assembly and includes a plurality of generally parallel ribs spaced from and generally planar to each other when the container assembly is in an open condition. A plurality of articulated braces are connected to and extend between the ribs to hold the ribs in spaced relationship in the open condition of the container assembly. The articulated braces are foldable to position the ribs in juxtaposition alongside each other in a collapsed condition of the container assembly. A flexible cover is positioned substantially about the collapsible framework and is fixed thereto for folding therewith as the framework moves back-and-forth between the open and collapsed conditions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: David W. Schardein, Lawrence F. Bender
  • Publication number: 20120055920
    Abstract: An independent vessel tank system for storing liquid gas on a vessel has a first tank member, a second, cylindrical tank member connected to the first tank member, a third tank member connected to the second tank member, wherein the first, second and third tank members provide a tank device for the liquid gas, a first supporting device provided between the third tank member and a hull of the vessel, for supporting the weight of the tank device, and a second supporting device at least partially provided along a periphery of the tank device, for supporting the tank device to the hull of the vessel. The second supporting device is flexible in a first direction parallel to the centre axis of the tank device, and flexible in a second direction perpendicular to the periphery of the tank device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: INOCEAN AS
    Inventors: Jonas Rekstad, Jon Erik Borgen, Karl Jorgen Strauman, Arnfinn Unum, Lars Gunnar Vogt
  • Publication number: 20120047851
    Abstract: A system to load trays of produce into a shipping container includes a container positioning mechanism that positions a container in a precise location within the where holes in the bottom of the container are aligned with a plurality of lift rods. The lift rods rise up the container holes to receive a loaded tray of produce onto the top of the lift rods. After receiving the first tray of produce, the lift rods lower slightly so that a second tray of produce may be loaded on top of the first. With each loaded tray of produce, the lift rods retract further until all trays of produce have been received. As the lift rods slowly retract, the trays of produce are gently lowered into the shipping container. The system has a simple mechanism to reposition the container guide assembly and tray feed assembly to accommodate multiple types of shipping containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gary G. Germunson
  • Publication number: 20120048846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat rack container, and more particularly, to an integral buffering apparatus disposed between end walls and a base and for automatically controlling a flow rate of oil that flows in a cylinder housing through channels formed in a slider when the end walls are folded, to control a falling speed of the end walls, thereby absorbing an impact of the end walls, preventing damage of the end walls and the base, and ensuring safety of workers. The integral buffering apparatus includes a cylinder housing including a space for accommodating oil; a slider disposed in the space to be movable in a length direction of the cylinder housing and to divide the space into a first space and a second space; first oil channels and a second oil channel for connecting the first space and the second space to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: VANPLUS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Du-Min CHOI
  • Publication number: 20120037619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing latch loads during the process of loading and flying air cargo containers inside cargo holds of aircraft. The device exhibits a floor plate of a cargo unit of a transport means, an edge profile, a rail bumper as well as a first damping unit. The first damping unit is situated between the edge profile and the floor plate, or between the edge profile and the rail bumper of the cargo unit. The first damping unit is designed for damping a movement by the cargo unit in a direction of movement of the cargo unit so as to reduce the loads placed on the cargo unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Dietmar Glatz, Markus Kaulbars, Ulrich Meier-Noe, Achim Merklinger, Ludger Merz
  • Publication number: 20120037198
    Abstract: A hard walled shelter has first and second substantially parallel corner posts. The hard walled shelter also has an upper frame support extending between first ends of the corner posts and a lower frame support extending between second ends of the corner posts. The hard walled shelter additionally has a moveable wall. The moveable wall has a lower portion hinged at the lower frame support and an upper portion that fits securely on the interior of the corner posts when the moveable wall is in a closed configuration. When the moveable wall is in an open configuration the moveable wall is disposed away from the hard walled shelter to form an opening in the shelter. The hard walled shelter also has a coupling that extends around the perimeter of the opening in the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Philip T. Cantin, Rick A. Cochran, Justin M. White
  • Patent number: 8113372
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Alex Bellehumeur, Trustee of the Alex Bellehumeur Family Trust
    Inventors: Alexander R. Bellehumeur, James Woods
  • Patent number: 8112943
    Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Martin A. Medley, Amadeu Pereira
  • Patent number: 8109402
    Abstract: Collapsible container which includes a base member, collapsible side walls, which adjacent side walls are inter-connectable. The base member is provided with feet members, a circumambient edge and a mainly horizontal load surface. The load surface is provided with recesses extending downwards from the load surface, said recesses being arranged adjacent the edge. At least one side wall is provided with downwards extending protrusions, said protrusions being arranged to interact with said recesses. Said at least one side wall engages the base member through vertical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schoeller Arca Systems AB
    Inventor: Peter Hartwall
  • Patent number: 8109400
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed toward industrial packages. Example embodiments may meet several packaging requirements for different modes of transport, including both roadway and flight regulations such as Department of Transportation (DOT) Class 7 requirements for ground transport of radioactive materials and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations for air transport of radioactive materials. Example embodiments may include integrated bumpers, specialized bottom tube skids, lid lattice support, multiple gasket pressurization seal, corner reinforcement, and/or multiple shielding and modular interior components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Langston, Carlton Wayne Clark, David Grey Smith, Thomas C. Ware, William A. Scott
  • Patent number: 8100264
    Abstract: An intermediate bulk container includes a flexible storage container, a rigid rectangular base member including a plurality of pole engaging formations on its upper surface which are arranged about its periphery, a plurality of poles, the lower end of each of which is releasably engageable with a pole engaging formation on the base so that the poles collectively provide a support cage for the storage container, a rigid pole location member (10) which includes a central opening through which the support container may be filled and a plurality of pole engaging formations with which the upper ends of the poles are releasably engageable, and bracing elements connecting a pair of poles on at least two adjacent sides of the cage to each other for holding the poles, in the planes in which they are located in the assembled container, perpendicular to the base and pole locating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Almar Packaging (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Roy Wood, John Richard Thorpe
  • Patent number: 8100279
    Abstract: A storage container is provided, having a first container and a second container. Each of the first and second containers includes top and bottom front rails, first and second front corner posts, and first and second side panels. In each of the first and second containers, the top and the bottom front rails and the first and second front corner posts are disposed at a front end thereof to define an opening into the interior thereof. The front end of the first container and the front end of the second container face each other. The first and second side panels of the first container are spaced to define a first interior width therebetween. The first and second front corner posts of the first container are spaced to define a second interior width therebetween. The first and second interior widths of the first container are substantially equal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Flex Box Limited
    Inventors: Ole Henrik Nielsen, Daniel Wong
  • Publication number: 20120006814
    Abstract: A logistics panel forms a side wall of a container (12) and has elongate metal recesses (16) formed in the surface and a logistics track (17) including a face portion (22), an elongate slot (23) in said face portion and a pair of elongate webs (24) each extending parallel to and between a respective said edge and the slot, the webs having a plurality of locating apertures, and a load carrier (18) located in said channel and extending out through the slot and having engagement pawls (26) selectively and positively locatable in said apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas James Crook
  • Publication number: 20120006813
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an ocean freight transportation arrangement, which arrangement comprises multiple transportation equipment units, such as a container or similar, especially intended for shipping loose materials, to enable transportation of loose materials on ocean vessels, such as in a cargo ship's, barge's, or similar vessel's cargo hold. The upper part of transportation equipment unit (X) comprises a tub structure with an upper part that is open or can be opened, and where the midsection, vertically h and from a cross-sectional perspective, tapers off toward the bottom and is connected from the lower edge to the bottom part, which means that the tub structure makes it possible, first, to transport the transportation equipment containing primarily loose cargo, stacked one on top of the other, and, second, to store empty transportation equipment units on top of each other, and, at least partially, stacked in a pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Raimo R. Nordström, Hannu Nurminen
  • Publication number: 20120000906
    Abstract: A transport frame for transporting material and/or piece goods. At each bottom corner of the transport frame (1), a notch (6) is formed. The height (h) of the notch (6) is high enough to allow the bottom (7) of the transport frame (1), when the transport frame (1) is placed on top of transport protrusions (13) and/or locking clamps (14), to settle without bending against the mounting base (12) at least at some point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: OY LANGH SHIP AB
    Inventor: Hans Langh
  • Patent number: 8083083
    Abstract: An adaptable bulk material container system comprising a hopper having an interior for receiving the bulk material and an upper opening and a lower opening. The hopper comprises an upper portion defining an upper portion of the interior and including an upper perimeter wall about the interior. The hopper also includes a lower portion defining a lower portion of the interior and being positioned below the upper portion. The system also includes an adaptable base supporting the hopper, with the hopper being mounted on the adaptable base. The base comprises a support frame mounted on the hopper and extending downwardly from the hopper, with the support frame forming a perimeter about the lower portion of the hopper. The base also includes a support flange mounted on the support frame and extending outwardly from the support frame and having an outer perimeter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Brad Mohns
  • Patent number: 8079491
    Abstract: A crate system for transport of items. The system includes a set of U shaped tubes that are mounted in an upright position on beams. A second set of U shaped tubes are also mounted in an upright position on beams. Each assembled set are then mounted on top of one another to form a crate system. The crate system can safely secure and even stack heavy items on top of one another. These crate systems can then be disassembled for packing and shipping back to the original shipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 8079626
    Abstract: An adjustable attachment apparatus for a container, in particular, a roll-on, roll-off container, for use with a truck equipped to transport the carrier, such as a hoist truck. The container attachment apparatus includes a connector member, more specifically a hook receiving member which is vertically adjustable in apertures of a guide member to a plurality of different heights in relation to a ground surface in order to accommodate trucks having container retrieving hoist mechanisms with a hook or other element of differing minimum heights which manipulates the container through the connector member. In one embodiment, the guide member includes a rail having a slotted track and a connector member is connected to the guide member by a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Robert L. Estes
  • Publication number: 20110303661
    Abstract: A storage module adapter assembly includes adapter base plates that are two-person portable, can be installed/removed by hand, and cooperate with existing structures of existing modular cargo containers. Each adapter base plate includes various longitudinal and transverse frame members, as well as first and second longitudinal frame members on opposed sides thereof. The first longitudinal frame member has a first height, and the second longitudinal frame member has a second height, which is greater than the first height. Each of the first and second longitudinal frame members also include generally horizontal flange members extending from a top side thereof, such that when two adapter base plates are appropriately positioned side by side, the generally horizontal flange members on the adjacent sides of the two adapter base plates overlap due to the difference between the first and second heights. The adapter base plates can then be connected together by appropriate mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen L. TUJAGUE, SR., Eric M. HEDIGER, Edward PAYNE, James E. STOKES, III, Malcolm JUNKER, Philip J. DUNNE, Clarence L. SOCKWELL, Andrew J. GRYGIEL
  • Patent number: 8074820
    Abstract: A portable work and storage container includes a container frame, an enclosure arrangement and a wall panel affixing arrangement. The container frame includes a ceiling frame, a floor frame and four vertical corner posts spacedly extended between the ceiling frame and the floor frame. The wall panel affixing arrangement includes a plurality of wall adjusters and a plurality of wall lockers, wherein every two of the wall adjusters are adjustably extended to bias against two outer side rims of the wall structure respectively for applying a pushing force so as to ensure the wall panels of each of the wall structure are coupled with each other side-by-side. The wall lockers are adjustably engaged with top rims of the wall structures respectively to lock up the wall structures between the ceiling frame and the floor frame so as to securely retain the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Terry Chu
  • Patent number: 8074818
    Abstract: A transport device such as an ISO container that is adapted to be transported by air or surface transportation. The transport device includes a base, a plurality of movable ISO corner blocks movably coupled to the base, and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms. Each adjustment mechanism is adapted to couple a respective corner block to the base and to selectively move the corner block with respect to the base between an air transport position, wherein the bottom surface of the corner block does not extend beyond the bottom surface of the base, and a surface transport position wherein the bottom surface of the corner block is located below the bottom surface of the base. The base includes a plurality of roller plates that form the bottom surface of the base and that are adapted to engage rollers of an aircraft cargo handling system. The transport device also includes detent rails that are removably attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AAR Corp.
    Inventor: William J. Gerding
  • Publication number: 20110299970
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a base, a pair of wheel sets mounted underneath the base in a spaced apart relationship to each other, at least one coupling members mounted on at least one end of the base along longitudinal axis of the vehicle, an enclosure upstanding on the base and having a pair of side wall structures, a pair of end wall members and a roof member joining upper edges of each of the pair of side wall members and the pair of end wall structures, the enclosure defining an interior compartment of the railway freight car and an apparatus configured to move the enclosure in a vertical direction relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KACI Intermodal Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Hathaway, M. Kent Bridges
  • Patent number: 8070004
    Abstract: In various embodiments, shipping container systems are described included an extended tunnel flooring system with a steel floor piece running lengthwise down the center of the extended tunnel floor, and an Omega flooring system including alternating lengthwise strips of 6 wood floor pieces and 5 floor steel pieces on a structure of support beams reinforced with steel gusset plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of International Container Lessors
    Inventors: John Michael Williams, Michael S Hohndorf